Milan Transfers: What the Serie A Club Will Change This Summer

As with any developing team full of thriving youngsters, chemistry is the key.

AC Milan spent the entire first half of the Serie A season jelling and learning which roles suited players in the most effective manner.

Any rebuilding plan comes with growing pains, and Milanisti know this very well. A fierce January transfer window paved the way for incredible improvement this calendar year.

Of course, that started with Super Mario Balotelli, who has scored eight goals in nine domestic matches. Balotelli has been an absolute whirlwind for opposing defenders, and has already won his way into the hearts of Milan fans everywhere.

However, change is still needed if the team want to seriously compete with Juventus for the Scudetto. Shoring up the defense and midfield are the first priorities.

Director Adriano Galliani already said (via CalcioMercatoWeb.it) that the first position they are likely to invest in this summer is in the center of defense. Names linked with the Rossoneri who could fill this role include Torino's Angelo Ogbonna and former Milan youth defender Davide Astori, who currently plays for the Sardinia side Cagliari.

Apart from the defense, Milan need to invest in the midfield as well. Nigel De Jong will be back from the season-ending injury he sustained late last year and figures to be a part of the starting XI in 2013-14.

Bryan Cristante looks to have the same effect as Mattia De Sciglio, being yet another promising youngster coming through the always improving youth ranks at Milan. The midfielder Cristante will be a part of the senior side next season and is comparable to Redondo for his style of play.

With Cristante joining the ranks, the midfield will have another creative option alongside Riccardo Montolivo.

Up front, the team is absolutely stacked. With Bojan Krkic being sent on the first flight back to Barcelona, the Rossoneri will fill his spot with new acquisition Riccardo Saponara, who is currently playing for Empoli in Serie B. Saponara is a 21-year-old offensive player who can play as a winger or behind the strikers.

With these moves and new surprises to come, we can expect a Milan side next season that will give Juventus a much more competitive race for the Scudetto, and perhaps provide a few more heart-stopping moments in the Champions League as well.